Research Specialist II

Job Title

Research Specialist II

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Global Health Research Complex

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The Global Health Research Complex (GHRC) at Texas A&M University is a brand new state-of-the-art biocontainment research facility that will improve animal and human health within the State of Texas, across the United States, and around the globe. The GHRC supports and advances multi-disciplinary large animal and insect vector research, education, and training opportunities for faculty at Texas A&M and their partners from other academic institutions and industry. To learn more, visit https://ghrc.tamu.edu/

What We Want

The GHRC is currently in search of a highly qualified Research Specialist II. In this role, the selected candidate will be responsible, under supervision, for conducting cell culture and comprehensive bench work which includes all aspects of agent propagation, purification, and preparation for animal challenge experiments. As well as collecting, processing, and analyzing samples from experimental animals for immunology response parameters and agent detection. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in virology, microbiology or a related field, along with a minimum of six years' experience in a biocontainment laboratory setting. To excel in this position, the candidate must be capable of obtaining and maintaining Federal Select Agent Program clearance. Must be able to work with animal research models, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to analyze data and write reports, and have advanced knowledge and abilities in virology, bacteriology, molecular biology, and/or cell culture techniques. We are seeking an individual who will support our commitment to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experience per our Core Values. If the description sounds interesting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity to join our team.

What You Need To Know

Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire's experience.

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in virology, microbiology, molecular biology or related field.

• Six years of related experience in a biocontainment laboratory setting (e.g. Biosafety Level (BSL-2 and/or BSL-3), Animal Biosafety Level (ABSL-2; ABSL-3, and/or ABSL-3Ag)).

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Must be able to obtain Federal Select Agent Program clearance within 2 months of hire.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience working with a variety of pathogens (viral, bacterial) classified at BSL-2 and/or BSL-3.

• Advanced knowledge and abilities in virology, bacteriology, molecular biology, and/or cell culture techniques.

• Experience working with animal research models.

• Ability to analyze data and write reports.

• Skilled in computer literacy and ability to operate across platforms and software packages.

• Knowledge and experience with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail and record keeping abilities.

• Skilled in accurate and reliable data collection and analysis.

• Strong organizational skills

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in virology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field.

• Four years of direct experience in a biocontainment laboratory setting (BSL-2, ABSL-2, BSL-3, ABSL-3, and/or ABSL-3Ag).

• Prior experience working in a BSL-3, ABSL-3, or BSL-3Ag setting.

• Prior experience working with BSL-2 or higher bacterial species.

• Prior experience working with BSL-2 or higher viral species.

• Experience handling and working with livestock species.

• Prior or current participation in the Federal Select Agent Program.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Bench Work- Conducts cell culture and comprehensive bench work which includes all aspects of agent propagation, purification, and preparation for animal challenge experiments. Collects, processes, and analyzes samples obtained from experimental animals for immunology response parameters and agent detection. Develops and maintains experimental protocols, performs experiments, and complies and analyzes obtained data. Assists others in the laboratory conducting research projects.

• Animal Handling & Husbandry- Performs and assists with routine animal husbandry duties for animals actively on GHRC Research projects, including animal livestock species. Performs and assists with animal inoculations and sample collection (e.g. blood, etc.). Conducts animal health assessments, clinical observations, and records health scores and animal inventory. Assists with necropsy of research animals and sample collections.

• Select Agent Program Inventory- Maintains all Select Agent Program Inventory. Records and ensures compliance for data associated with relevant projects.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.